Electrochemical compatibility of patching repaired reinforced concrete: experimental and numerical approach

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of potential of steel in patching-repaired concrete. Reinforced concrete specimens were prepared with and without patching repair, made with various concrete mix proportions. Experimental results revealed that patching repair showed good effectiveness for restoring corroded reinforced concrete structures. The highest half-cell potential of steel was observed in a repaired area (patch), surrounded by a lower potential of steel in a non-repaired area (substrate). A comparison between individual concrete and patching-repaired concrete revealed that there was a redistribution of the potential along with the steel in patching-repaired concrete. The variation of the potential depended on the parameters of concrete, which include the water to binder ratio, fly ash content, and chloride content. Finally, a numerical model to simulate the electrochemical corrosion of steel showed good agreement with the measured potential.